"The integration of hope is fueled by the promise of opportunities. It provides us all with a vehicle of aspiration and attainment. I want to draw your attention to the number 6.5 million. It’s the estimated total of people in the United States living with a developmental and intellectual disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's important that these individuals live a valued, respected, and prosperous life, particularly from an employment standpoint. The Oklahoma Department of Developmental Disabilities Services, through the Department of Human Services, is on a mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families lead safer, healthier, more independent, and productive lives.
Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) serves individuals ages 3 and up who have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities. Persons served may also have other developmental disabilities in addition to intellectual disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, etc. Recently, they’ve placed an inclusive and increased emphasis on providing equitable, fair employment opportunities for the individuals they serve, which will hopefully put them on the path to full independence and dignity within society as contributing members. Ryan Stewart, the department’s manager of communications, met with me this week to discuss how the state of Oklahoma is leading the way and setting the example for others to follow when it comes to fully integrating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the workforce and society at large.
Email: TellDDS@okdhs.org"
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